Local carers get pampered

Local carers benefitted from a day of pampering on Friday, when South West Yorkshire Mental Health Trust and Making Space, a charitable organisation that specialises in mental health, jointly organised a special event to celebrate Carer’s Week at Dewsbury Fire Station.

The pamper and well being day, which attracted around 40 carers, gave unpaid carers of adults with mental health problems an opportunity to sample different treatments such as massage, henna tatoos and manicures. There was also the opportunity to try out new activities such as painting, floristry, tai chi and belly dancing. In addition, the local pharmacist was on hand at the event to give carers a free blood pressure and diabetes test.

One carer who attended the event said, "The day was a real treat. It gave me a chance to wind down and have a go at things I wouldn’t usually have time for. Getting my nails done was definitely a highlight."

Helen Wain, carer’s development officer for the Trust explains "As a carer it is easy to neglect your own physical and emotional well being when you are busy caring for someone else. As such carers can suffer from their own health related illnesses, especially stress. It is important therefore to give carers the opportunity to take time out for themselves."

If you are a family member, friend or neighbour of an adult with mental health problems who regularly provides care, and wish to find out more information about accessing carer support services, contact Helen Wain on 01924 326598.